Last year anti-coal communities converged in Batangas City to advance their demand for the cancellation of all plans, permits and construction of coal-fired power plants in Batangas and the rest of the country. Photo: Veejay Villafranca/Piglas Pilipinas

Break Free 2017

In spite of these recent developments, much still needs to be done. It is still urgent to join forces with communities in vulnerable situations against extreme weather, climate impacts, and especially against the corporations which have contributed to the climate crisis.

But communities refuse to be silent; they are once again taking the streets and demanding freedom from coal.

Coal-affected communities held a lightning rally in front of the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) headquarters, to demand that the company shut down its coal plants in Limay, Bataan. Photo: Greenpeace Philippines

Paddlers unfurl a floating banner near the site of the proposed Ludo coal-fired power station. Photo: Greenpeace Philippines

Meanwhile, in Cebu, community representatives, environmental activists, and civil society groups leda 60-kilometer “climate walk” tracing the path of existing and proposed coal plants in the provincelast March 15 to 18. They started their journey near the Aboitiz-led power plant in Toledo City, stopped halfway at the Kepco SPC Power Corporation plant in Naga City, and ended the walk at the Ludo project site, in the heart of the province’s capital. The action culminated with the unfurling of a floating banner near the site of the proposed Ludo coal-fired power station by a stand-up paddling group to convey Cebuanos’ strong opposition to the project.

Challenging the social license of the fossil fuel industry

Building on these efforts and achievements of various anti-coal campaigning initiatives, there is a strong need to take the struggle to a higher level with a clear call and direction in dismantling the power of the fossil fuel industry through divestment. Globally institutions, large and small around the world, have been taking a public stand against a rogue industry that’s sacrificing our shared climate and future in the name of profit.

Break Free Cebu amplified the grassroots voices opposing the proposed Ludo coal thermal-powered plant, and of demanding justice for the affected communities in other coal plant sites in the province. Photo: Francesco Pistili/Greenpeace

Divestment works by targeting the social license that fossil fuel companies need to operate, and removing it. Every institution that divests is adding to the pressure fossil fuel industry is feeling, and eroding the social acceptance and political influence of these companies.

These companies aren’t going down without a fight. Right now the fossil fuel industry and their powerful allies in government are backing a global efforts to hinder climate action. We stand at the threshold of our collective struggle –where every effort to gain ground matters whether it be on the streets in the seats of political power and in the financial sector.

There is a power surge on the way and it will be people-powered.

The coming Global Divestment Mobilization will demonstrate our global power and strengthen national and regional divestment efforts. And that’s why from 5-13 May, we need more people like you – your role is vital to increase the pressure on respected local, national and global institutions to divest from fossil fuels.